Support for a panel of a section of guided transport track

ABSTRACT

The invention relates in particular to a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation ( 15 ), characterised in that said section comprises: a track panel ( 20 ) comprising two stringers ( 21, 22 ) and at least one structure transverse to the stringers ( 23, 24 ), each stringer ( 21, 22 ) comprising an upper longitudinal groove ( 25 ) for receiving a rail; a plurality of panel supports ( 31, 32, 33, 34 ), each support comprising at least one stud ( 35 ) for fastening to the track formation, a cradle ( 37 ) for supporting a stringer ( 22 ) that is mounted so as to be movable vertically in said stud ( 35 ), and means for vertical movement of said cradle ( 37 ) relative to said stud ( 35 ) so that the height of the panel ( 20 ) relative to said track formation ( 15 ) can be adjusted, and the superelevation of the track section thus formed can be defined by means of coordinated adjustment of the various cradles ( 37 ).

1. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to ballastless tracks for guided transport vehicles, such as railway vehicles or pneumatic vehicles. The invention relates more particularly to a support for the guided transport track sections allowing the formation, by means of successive arrangement of a plurality of sections, of a ballastless track, a corresponding track section and a corresponding ballastless track.

2. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Since railway tracks have existed, it has been known to install these tracks on ballast, that is to say on a bed of crushed stones or of gravel. The ballast allows the forces transmitted by the sleepers under the action of the moving loads to be distributed across the underlying track formation. The ballast therefore allows the compaction of the track formation to be reduced. Lastly, the ballast allows the sleepers to be embedded in order to restrict their movements and their deformations.

For several years, there has been an increase in ballastless track projects, especially tracks on concrete slabs. This is because these track systems have the advantages of minimising the maintenance costs of the tracks and extending their lifespan.

These ballastless tracks generally comprise a foundation layer of concrete or of asphalt on which a slab of concrete is placed, which is cast in situ or prefabricated, and is intended to support and anchor the rails of the track.

One of the difficulties encountered during the production of a ballastless track of this kind is the precision required when the concrete slabs are laid on the underlying foundation layer because this precision directly determines the track geometry. Furthermore, where a superelevation is necessary on the rail alignment, the earthwork of the foundation layer has to be adapted to form the superelevation before the concrete slabs are put in place. The adjustment of the distance between track centre lines may also pose technical problems. Finally, after the track geometry has been adjusted, it is necessary to embed or anchor the concrete slabs so that they are permanently immobilised.

The inventors have therefore sought to propose a new support and ballastless track design that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known ballastless tracks.

3. AIMS OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of known ballastless tracks.

In particular, the invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a support that allows ballastless tracks to be adjusted and the parts constituting this support to be maintained, while having a simple design and being compact.

The invention also aims to provide a track section that does not require a cast slab of concrete or asphalt in order to be installed.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section of which the geometry (superelevation, height) can be adjusted after it has been installed.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that allows the geometry of the track formed in this way to be corrected after it has been installed and at any time during the life of the track formed in this way.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that can be installed rapidly by track-laying teams.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that is easy to maintain.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section with little susceptibility to flooding.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that can be installed on different types of engineering structures, such as tunnels, viaducts, particularly U-shaped viaducts, bridges, trestles, etc.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that can be adapted to different types of guided vehicle, in particular track-based or wheeled vehicles, high-speed passenger traffic vehicles, freight, metro, tram, and equivalent vehicles.

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the invention relates to a support for a panel of a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, the panel extending along a longitudinal axis and the support comprising:

-   -   at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track         formation;     -   at least one cradle capable of supporting the panel; and     -   means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to said stud         so that the height of the panel relative to said track formation         can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section can         be defined;

the cradle being mounted so as to be movable vertically in said stud along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Thus, a support of this kind is simple in design and allows a financial saving and a time saving in on-site track laying. Furthermore, the fact that the cradle moves vertically in the stud provides a compact support and allows the movements of the cradle to be guided.

In particular, the track section panel extends horizontally along the longitudinal axis.

According to a feature of the invention, the fastening stud comprises at least one lateral wall connected to a base and extending along the vertical axis, said lateral wall being configured to guide the movement of said cradle along the vertical axis.

According to another feature of the invention, the support has a plurality of cradles that move and are guided in the same stud.

According to yet another feature of the invention, said means for vertical movement of a cradle comprise:

-   -   a wedge that is mounted so as to be movable substantially along         a transverse axis relative to said stud and that carries said         cradle;     -   means for horizontal locking, along the transverse axis, of said         cradle relative to said stud so that a horizontal movement of         said wedge causes said cradle to move vertically, said wedge and         the cradle having complementary means configured so as to guide         the movement of the wedge relative to the cradle; and     -   means for horizontal movement of said wedge in said stud along         the transverse axis.

According to this advantageous variant, the vertical movement of the cradle relative to the stud is achieved by a horizontal movement, along the transverse axis, of a wedge relative to the stud, said wedge carrying said cradle, combined with a horizontal locking of the cradle.

According to yet another feature of the invention, said means for horizontal locking of said cradle relative to the stud comprise a threaded insert that is engaged in said stud and extends horizontally through the stud bearing against said cradle.

According to yet another feature of the invention, said means for horizontal movement of the wedge comprise an adjustment screw that bears against said wedge and is engaged in the stud while extending horizontally through said stud.

According to this variant, the horizontal locking of the cradle is achieved by an adjustment screw which is connected in a threaded insert engaged in the stud and which comes to bear against the cradle to prevent any horizontal movement.

In addition, since the cradle is locked horizontally against the stud, a horizontal movement of the wedge causes the inclined planes to slide on one another, which is manifested as a vertical movement of the cradle, its horizontal movement being limited by the locking means.

Advantageously, each support comprises means for horizontal movement of said wedge in said stud.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the cradle comprises at least two lower inclined planes that are complementary to two upper inclined planes of the wedge, the two lower inclined planes being oriented in substantially opposite directions. The two complementary inclined planes form a sliding connection between the wedge and the cradle. These planes also allow the cradle to be in continuous contact with the wedge.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the base of the stud has at least one first upper inclined plane on which said wedge is mounted, the first upper inclined plane being complementary to a lower inclined plane of the wedge. In this way, in the absence of a bearing force, for example of said adjustment screw on said wedge, said wedge slides on said inclined plane of said stud. Thus, according to this variant, the adjustment screw comes into abutment against the wedge in order to push it and thus ensure an upward vertical movement of the support cradle. In the event of the adjustment screw being withdrawn, the wedge slides spontaneously, due to gravity, on the inclined plane of the stud, which leads to a downward vertical movement of the support cradle.

According to another variant, an end of the adjustment screw is rigidly connected to the wedge so that a movement of the screw relative to the stud leads, depending on the direction of rotation imparted to the screw, to an upward or downward movement of the support cradle borne by the wedge.

Advantageously, but not restrictively, the first upper inclined plane of the base forms an angle of between 10° and 20° with the transverse axis.

Advantageously, but not restrictively, the first upper inclined plane of the base forms an angle of between 5° and 15° with the longitudinal axis.

According to yet another feature of the invention, each of the lower inclined planes of the cradle forms an angle of between 10° and 20° with the longitudinal axis.

According to a feature of the invention, the stud comprises two lateral walls connected to said base, said base comprising a central upper plane inclined relative to the transverse axis between the lateral walls, the first upper inclined plane of the base being arranged between one of the lateral walls and the central upper inclined plane so as to form a trough. In this way, the trough ensures the stability of the wedge accommodated in this trough and there is no force likely to make said wedge come out of its housing.

According to yet another feature of the invention, at least one of the lateral walls comprises at least one through-opening having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and capable of receiving means for disengaging the wedge from the trough. A configuration of this kind is simple in design and allows these disengagement means to be inserted easily.

The invention could also relate to a support for a panel of guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, the support comprising:

-   -   at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track         formation;     -   at least one cradle capable of supporting the panel; and     -   means for vertical movement, along a vertical axis, of said         cradle relative to said stud so that the height of the panel         relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the         superelevation of the track section can be defined, the movement         means comprising at least one wedge that is mounted so as to be         movable substantially along a transverse axis, perpendicular to         the vertical axis, relative to said stud;

said wedge carrying the cradle and said cradle comprising at least two lower inclined planes that are complementary to two upper inclined planes of the wedge, the two lower inclined planes being oriented in substantially opposite directions.

The invention also relates to a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, the track section comprising a track panel having:

-   -   two stringers extending along a longitudinal axis, each stringer         also comprising an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a         rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle,         such as a rail; and     -   at least one structure that is rigidly connected to said         stringers and extends transversely between them;

the track section comprising a plurality of supports for the panel according to any of the above-mentioned features, suitable for being fixed to said track formation and configured to be capable of supporting said panel above said track formation so that the height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section thus formed can be defined by coordinated adjustment of the various cradles.

A track section according to the invention thus allows the exact geometry of the track to be adjusted after the track has been installed on the track formation. In particular, the height of each stringer (and consequently the height of each guiding and/or rolling element accommodated in the groove of the stringer, this element being hereinafter designated by the term “rail” for greater simplicity) can be adjusted, after it has been installed. This height of the stringer (that is to say, the distance that separates the track formation from the stringer) is defined and adjusted by a movement of the support cradle of a stringer. This movement of the cradle is achieved by using the means for vertical movement of the cradle.

In the whole of the text, the term “track formation” denotes a piece of prepared ground onto which the track section according to the invention is intended to be fixed. The track formation corresponds to the track earthwork to which the studs of the track section are directly fixed. According to the invention, this track formation is devoid of any ballast.

In addition, as each stringer is supported by at least one support—preferably two supports per stringer—coordinated adjustment of the cradles of the different supports allows a superelevation to be formed. In order to do this, the supports of one stringer are adjusted to a different height from the supports of the other stringer, which allows the track panel to be pivoted about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction, thus forming the superelevation. According to an advantageous variant, the track section is configured to allow the panel to pivot about a longitudinal axis, the position of which coincides with the running surface of the rail supported by the stringer, of which the height has remained fixed, thus forming the superelevation. According to the invention, a track section does not require a superelevation to be formed directly on the track earthwork before the track is installed. This superelevation can be formed after installation, by an inclination of the track panel, which facilitates the track-laying operations.

In addition, a track section according to the invention makes it possible to compensate for the differing amounts of settlement in the track formation, through individual adjustment of each stud. The function of adjusting the track section according to the invention also allows the track geometry to be adjusted and corrected in the course of its life. The accuracy of the earthwork is also less critical than in the case of tracks of the prior art because of the possibility of being able to subsequently fine-tune the height of each stringer relative to the track formation and of overcoming any earthwork defects.

A track section according to the invention is fixed directly to the track formation and does not require a slab of concrete or asphalt to be cast. Therefore, a transport track using track sections according to the invention is produced more quickly than with the ballastless track techniques of the prior art.

In addition, the track extends above the track formation, which allows water to pass under the track panel in the event of the track formation being flooded.

Each stringer of a track panel of a section according to the invention comprises an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle, such as a rail and its associated fixing system. The section can therefore be used with different types of vehicle, the vehicle type being defined when the rolling and/or guiding element is laid.

In all the text that follows, and for the sake of simplicity, the term “rail” is used generically to define the rolling elements and the guiding elements that can be accommodated in the grooves of each stringer, it being understood that this is a rail as such for a railway vehicle, but a roadway for a pneumatic vehicle.

A section according to the invention comprises a cradle that is mounted in the stud so as to be movable vertically, and means for vertical movement of this cradle relative to the stud.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises at least two sleepers that are rigidly connected to the stringers. In particular, said sleepers are steel tubes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises at least one slab that is rigidly connected to the stringers. This slab can advantageously be made of concrete.

Advantageously, but not restrictively, the slab comprises a central rib arranged longitudinally between the two stringers. This rib allows the slab to be reinforced structurally and also prevents the guided vehicle from being derailed. The vehicle will always remain on the panel.

According to yet another feature, the cradle comprises a rounded upper face.

Advantageously, but not restrictively, the upper face is covered with a resilient cover plate.

Advantageously, each stringer has a rounded lower face of the same shape as the rounded upper face of the cradle. This rounded face is advantageously cylindrical, in the mathematical sense of the word, that is to say that it has a surface defined by the movement of a straight line parallel to itself on a generatrix, which in this case is a semicircle.

According to this variant, the cradle and the stringer have shapes that are complementary so that the cradle surrounds the stringer and with it forms a continuous contact support region. The rounded shape also prevents any transverse movement of the stringer when it is mounted and supported by the cradles. This is because the lateral walls of the cradle then form transverse stops.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each stringer further comprises two stops arranged transversely on a lower face of the stringer and configured to be capable of receiving between them a cradle so that, once lodged between the two stops, said cradle can lock each stringer longitudinally.

The stops arranged transversely beneath each stringer prevent any longitudinal sliding of the stringer relative to said cradle.

Advantageously, but not restrictively, the track section comprises at least two supports per panel. Advantageously, the track section comprises four supports per panel.

According to another embodiment, the track section according to the invention comprises two supports per stringer.

According to a feature of the invention, said stringers and said supports are made of concrete.

According to another feature of the invention, said fastening stud is mounted on a metal block comprising a metal plate and a plurality of placement elements welded beneath the metal plate and extending along the vertical axis perpendicular to the plate, said metal block being intended to be inserted in said track formation by driving or sinking in order to fix this support.

A metal block of this kind comprises, for example, several (sixteen in one particular instance) placement elements welded to the metal plate that is rigidly connected to the lower part of the fastening stud.

According to a feature of the invention, the placement elements comprise H-shaped section profiles. A feature of this kind allows the driving process required to sink these placement elements into the track formation to be better withstood.

According to another embodiment, the placement elements comprise a plurality of steel tubes.

The rigid connection between the fastening stud and the metal block can be of any type. For example, the fastening stud is bonded to the metal plate, or bolted to the metal plate.

According to another variant, the stud is fixed to the track formation by micropiles, for example by three micropiles. These micropiles can be sunk, driven or drilled into the track formation.

According to another feature of the invention, the block comprises means for wedging the stud that are arranged on the metal plate.

The invention also relates to a ballastless track for a guided transport vehicle, comprising a track formation and a plurality of track sections comprising any of the above-mentioned features fixed successively to said track formation.

The invention also relates to a track section and a track formed from a plurality of track sections according to the invention characterised in combination by all or some of the features mentioned above or below.

The invention could also relate to a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, said section comprising:

-   -   a track panel comprising two stringers extending along a         longitudinal axis, and at least two sleepers that are rigidly         connected to said stringers and extend transversely between         them, each stringer further comprising an upper longitudinal         groove for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a         guided transport vehicle, such as a rail; and     -   a plurality of panel supports suitable for being fixed to said         track formation and configured to be capable of supporting said         panel above said track formation, each support comprising a stud         for fastening to the track formation, a cradle for supporting a         stringer that is mounted so as to be movable vertically in said         stud, and means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to         said stud so that the height of this stringer relative to said         track formation can be adjusted, and the superelevation of the         track section thus formed can be defined by means of a         coordinated adjustment of the various cradles. This subject         matter may comprise all or some of the above features.

The invention could also relate to a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, said section comprising:

-   -   a track panel comprising two stringers extending along a         longitudinal axis, and at least one structure that is rigidly         connected to said stringers and extends transversely between         said stringers;     -   a plurality of panel supports suitable for being fixed to said         track formation and configured to be capable of supporting said         panel above said track formation so that the height of the panel         relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the         superelevation of the track section can be defined; and     -   a metal block comprising a metal plate and a plurality of         placement elements welded beneath the metal plate and extending         along a vertical axis perpendicular to the plate, said metal         block being intended to be inserted into said track formation by         driving or sinking in order to fix this support. This subject         matter may comprise all or some of the above features.

5. LIST OF DRAWINGS

Other aims, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description that follows, given only as a non-restrictive example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of track according to a first embodiment of the invention, formed by two successive track sections according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a track section according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a track section according to the first embodiment of the invention, a support of which is shown in exploded view;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view from above of a track panel of a track section according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view from below of a track panel of a track section according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of an embodiment of a track panel according to the invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of another embodiment of a track panel according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support according to the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view in transverse cross section of the support shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view in longitudinal cross section of the support shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a support of a track section according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view in cross section of the support shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded view of a variant of a support of a section according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view in cross section of the support shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view in transverse cross section of a track section according to the second embodiment of the invention, showing a vertical movement of the track;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view in transverse cross section of a track section according to the second embodiment of the invention, showing a rotation of the track about a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view in transverse cross section of a track section according to the first embodiment of the invention, showing a vertical movement of the track;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view in transverse cross section of a track section according to the first embodiment of the invention, showing a rotation of the track about a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a track section according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing stops for longitudinal locking of the stringer;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a first position and a second position, respectively, of the wedges of a support according to the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a metal block of a track section according to the invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a metal block of a track section according to the invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view in cross section of a track section according to an embodiment of the invention mounted on a track formation.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of illustration and clarity, the figures are not drawn strictly to scale or in proportion. In the whole of the detailed description that follows with reference to the drawings, except where otherwise indicated, each element of a support as arranged relative to a track section and each element of a track section is described as it is arranged when the track section is mounted on and rigidly connected to a horizontal track formation. This arrangement is shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In addition, the same reference signs are used to designate identical, similar or analogous elements. Lastly, the terms longitudinal, transverse and vertical are used non-restrictively with reference to the trihedral L, T, V as shown in the drawings. L represents a longitudinal axis corresponding to the main direction of the track section. The longitudinal axis L designates in particular the direction in which a guided transport vehicle moves on the track formed by a plurality of track sections according to the invention. T represents a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. V is a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T. The terms “up”, “upper”, “lower”, “above” and “below” are defined in the present invention in relation to the vertical axis V.

As shown in FIG. 1, a ballastless track 1 according to the invention intended to allow the transport of a guided vehicle, such as a railway or pneumatic vehicle, comprises a ballastless track formation 15 and a plurality of track sections 16, 17 according to a first embodiment of the invention that are fixed successively to the track formation 15. FIG. 1 shows just two successive sections 16, 17. However, it goes without saying that in practice, a track or a piece of track comprises a plurality of track sections arranged successively on an earthwork (or a track formation 15). FIG. 2 shows a portion of a track section 16′ according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In the whole of the remainder of the description, a track section will be described in detail with reference to the track section 16, 16′, it being understood that the other track sections can be identical.

As shown in FIG. 3, the track section 16 of the first embodiment comprises a track panel 20 and supports 31, 32, 33, 34 that are fixed to the track formation 15. One support 34 is shown in exploded view to clearly show the different elements that form the support, which are described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the track panel 20 extends horizontally along the longitudinal axis L. The panel 20 comprises two stringers 21, 22 that extend along the longitudinal axis, which coincides with the direction of movement of the vehicles, once the track has been installed. The track panel 20 also comprises a transverse structure extending along the transverse axis T. This transverse structure comprises, in this first embodiment, two sleepers 23, 24 that extend in particular transversely to the stringers 21, 22. According to this embodiment, these sleepers 23, 24 are formed by metal tubes the ends of which are rigidly connected to the stringers 21, 22. These stringers are preferably made of concrete. A track panel 20 according to this embodiment has the general shape of a ladder. According to a variant not described, the track panel 20 can comprise concrete sleepers and form shapes other than a ladder. For example, the sleepers can be arranged at each longitudinal end of the stringers.

The stringer 21 will now be described in detail, it being understood that the stringer 22 has an identical architecture. The stringer 21 comprises an upper longitudinal groove 25 for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle, such as a rail. This groove 25 therefore extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis L and is configured to receive the guiding or rolling element on which the transport vehicle will be able to move. In the case of a railway vehicle, the guiding element is a rail 41. This groove 25 is also intended to receive the means for fixing the rail to the stringer. The stringer 21 also comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, a rib forming a low wall 26 extending longitudinally at the lateral edge of the stringer 21. This low wall 26 allows a vehicle to be locked laterally in the event of derailment. This low wall 26 is therefore a track safety member. This low wall 26 also serves as an anti-noise device by stopping the propagation of the sound waves emitted because of the interactions of the vehicle and the rail. Each stringer also comprises, according to this embodiment, two transverse stops 27, 28 arranged on the lower surface of the stringer, as can be seen in FIG. 5. These stops 27, 28 are mutually spaced longitudinally by a distance substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of a cradle of a support (described below in conjunction with FIGS. 13 and 14) so that once the cradle is accommodated between the two stops, it provides longitudinal locking, along the longitudinal axis L, of the stringer 21 and, therefore, locking of the corresponding track panel 20. In this embodiment, the stringer has a rounded lower face 47. Each support 31, 32, 33, 34 is suitable for being fixed to the track formation 15 and is configured to be capable of supporting a portion of at least one stringer.

According to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 to 9, the track section 16′ comprises a track panel 20 and supports. The panel 20 also comprises two stringers 21, 22 extending along the longitudinal axis L. These stringers also each comprise an upper longitudinal groove 25 for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle. According to this embodiment, the groove 25 extends along the longitudinal axis but in a discontinuous manner. The transverse structure of the panel 20 comprises a slab 29 extending transversely between the two stringers 21, 22. In particular, the slab 29 is rigidly connected to the stringers. This slab 29 is defined in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis V. The slab 29 comprises a central rib 30 arranged between the two stringers relative to the transverse axis T so as to structurally reinforce the slab 29. This rib also forms means to prevent derailment of the guided vehicle. The central rib 30 extends along the axis L. In particular, said rib is provided in the upper portion of the slab 29. According to a variant shown in FIG. 9, the central rib 30 is formed in the lower portion of the slab 29. The slab is advantageously made of concrete. Each support is suitable for being fixed to the track formation 15 and configured to be capable of supporting a portion of at least one stringer.

The supports will now be described in detail, it being understood that the supports have a substantially identical architecture. Each support comprises at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track formation, at least one cradle capable of supporting the panel, and means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to said stud so that the height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section can be defined.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 13 to 16 and 22, the support 34, according to the first embodiment, comprises a stud 35 for fastening to the track formation 15. This fastening stud 35 has a generally cylindrical shape. In particular, the stud 35 comprises a base 35 a intended to rest on the track formation 15, lateral walls 35 b, a rear wall 35 c, and a base 35 d. The lateral walls 35 b, the rear wall 35 c and the base 35 a form a housing for accommodating other elements of the support 35. In particular, the lateral walls 35 b and also the rear wall 35 c extend along the vertical axis V. The lateral walls 35 b are joined to the base 35 d. They are also joined to the rear wall 35 c. The other elements of the support comprise a wedge 36 that rests on the base 35 d of the stud 35, and a cradle 37 for supporting the stringer 22 that rests on the wedge 36. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 13 and 14, the wedge 36 and the cradle 37 are installed between the two lateral walls 35 b of the stud 35. In addition, the support comprises an adjustment screw 38 and a screw 39 for horizontal locking of the cradle 37. Each screw extends through the rear wall 35 c of the stud via a tapped hole 53 formed in the rear wall 35 c. This tapped hole 53 in this instance has an axis parallel to the transverse axis T. Each tapped hole has a thread that matches the thread of the screw that it receives so that the screw is engaged in the rear wall and so that a rotation of this screw in this tapped hole causes a horizontal movement, in this case along the transverse axis T, of this screw relative to the stud 35. The wedge 36 has, in addition, an upper inclined plane that matches a lower inclined plane of the cradle 37. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the wedge 36 also has a lower inclined plane P6 that matches an upper inclined plane of the base 35 d of the stud 35 (cf. FIG. 14).

Thus, a rotation of the adjustment screw 38 by an operator causes the wedge 36 to move on the base 35 d of the stud 35. This movement of the wedge 36 causes the inclined planes of the wedge 36 and the cradle 37 to slide on one another. Since the cradle 37 is locked horizontally by the locking screw 39, the cradle 37 is spontaneously caused to move vertically in the stud 35. In other words, a rotation of the adjustment screw 38 allows the cradle 37 to be raised or lowered in the stud 35 and consequently allows the height of the stringer borne by this support to be adjusted. More specifically still, the lateral walls 35 b of the stud allow the vertical movement of the cradle in the stud to be guided. The expression ‘the mounting or movement of the cradle “in the stud”’ is therefore intended to mean that the cradle is arranged and accommodated inside the stud 35 and that it is guided inside the stud. The support is therefore compact and the stud allows the movements of the cradle to be guided.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a support according to another variant. According to this variant, the stud 35 has a flat base and the means for adjusting the height are formed by a single screw 38 which is engaged in the wedge 36 so that the wedge 36 can be moved horizontally in one direction or the other direction. According to this variant, the means for horizontal locking of the cradle are formed by a tube 42 that extends between the lateral walls of the stud 35.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 10 to 12, 16, 17, 22 and 23, the support 34′ according to the second embodiment also comprises a stud 35 for fixing to the track formation 15. A plurality of wedges 36 and a plurality of cradles 37 are mounted in this stud 35. The stud 35 in this instance extends along the longitudinal transverse axis T. In this stud 35, as shown in more detail in FIG. 10, four wedges 36 are mounted, each carrying a cradle 37. In other words, four cradles 37 are accommodated in the stud 35. In this instance, these four cradles 37 are arranged in pairs. Each pair of cradles 37 cooperates, by lateral bearing and sliding or movement, with one lateral wall 35 b of the stud 35. In other words, the cradle 37 is guided in its vertical movement relative to a lateral wall 35 b. The stud 35 comprises a projection 40 extending transversely in the stud 35 along the transverse axis T. In particular, the projection 40 extends along the longitudinal axis L. This projection 40 is arranged substantially at the middle part along the axis T. The projection 40 also extends along the vertical axis from the base 35 a of the stud 35. Of course, the stud 35 can be produced without this projection 40. Two wedges 36 carrying a cradle 37 are mounted either side of the projection 40. In the next part of this description, the arrangement of the wedges and cradles on one side of the projection 40 is described.

The base 35 d of the stud 35 comprises a first upper inclined plane P5 on which a wedge 36 is mounted. The base 35 d also comprises a central upper plane P7 inclined relative to the transverse axis T. This central upper inclined plane P7 is arranged between the lateral walls 35 b of the stud 35. In particular, two first upper inclined planes P5 are arranged on either side of this central inclined plane P7. In other words, the first upper inclined plane P5 is arranged between a lateral wall 35 b and the central upper inclined plane P7 so as to form a trough 43. The wedge 36 is therefore accommodated in this trough 43. In this stud 35 four troughs 40 are formed, each accommodating a wedge 36. The first upper inclined plane P5 is complementary to the lower inclined plane P6 of the wedge 36. The first upper inclined plane P5 forms an angle α of between 10° and 20° with the transverse axis T (cf. FIG. 11), while the central upper inclined plane P7 forms an angle of between 15° and 30° with the transverse axis T. The first upper inclined plane P5 of the base 35 d also forms an angle γ of between 5° and 15° with the longitudinal axis L (cf. FIG. 12). As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first upper inclined planes P5, P5′ of the base 35 d are oriented in opposite directions. Each first plane P5, P5′ of the base 35 d is inclined towards a lower end of an adjacent lateral wall 35 b.

Each cradle 37 comprises two lower inclined planes P1, P2 complementary to two upper inclined planes P3, P4 of the wedge 36. The two lower inclined planes P1, P2 of the cradle 37 are oriented in substantially opposite directions. Likewise, in the case of the wedge 36, the upper inclined planes P3, P4 are oriented in opposite directions. This facilitates the movement of the cradle 37 relative to the wedge 36 and also allows continuous contact between the wedge 36 and the cradle 37. Advantageously, the lower inclined planes P1, P2 of the cradle 37 each form an angle β of between 10° and 20° with the longitudinal axis L. Advantageously, but not restrictively, the inclined planes P3, P4 of the wedge 36 form between them a V that opens upwards, i.e. towards the cradle 37.

Each cradle 37 also comprises a rounded upper face 48. This upper face 48 fits the rounded shape of the face 47 of the stringer 22. Advantageously, but not restrictively, the upper face 48 is covered by a cover plate 49 so as to damp any vertical movements of the track panel 20. This cover plate 49 is made of a polymer material. The polymer material is, for example, an elastomer.

In this embodiment, the tapped hole 53 intended to receive the locking screw 39 is made in the wall of the projection 40. The tapped hole 53 extends along the transverse axis T. The screw 39 for locking the cradle 37 extends through the stud 35 along the transverse axis T. The rear wall 35 c of the base comprises the tapped hole 53′ intended to receive the adjustment screw 38 allowing the cradle 37 to be raised or lowered in the stud 35.

Thus, a rotation of an adjustment screw 38 by an operator causes the corresponding wedge 36 to move on the base 35 d of the stud 35. This movement of the wedge 36 causes the inclined planes P1, P2, P3, P4 of the wedge 36 and the cradle 37 borne by this wedge to slide on one another. Since the cradle 37 is locked horizontally by the locking screw 39, the cradle 37 is spontaneously caused to move vertically in the stud 35. Each lateral wall 35 b of the stud makes it possible to guide the vertical movement of the cradle in the stud. The support is therefore compact and the stud makes it possible to guide the movements of the cradles.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show the different types of adjustment that can be performed with a track section according to the embodiments of the invention.

In FIGS. 17 and 20, a vertical movement of the track panel 20 along the vertical axis V is performed by coordinated action on the adjustment screws 38 of the various track panel supports. This allows the height of the track panel to be adjusted relative to the track formation 15 by adjusting the various cradles of the various supports in a coordinated manner.

In FIGS. 18 and 21, the track panel 20 is pivoted about a longitudinal axis by means of an adjustment of the cradle of one side of the panel. This allows a superelevation to be formed on the track alignment by an inclination of the track.

A track section according to the invention therefore allows the track to be adjusted in two separate degrees of freedom.

FIG. 22 shows the stops 27, 28 that are arranged below the stringer 22 and between which the cradle 37 comes to be accommodated in order to prevent any longitudinal movement of the stringer 22. Preferably, each stringer comprises only two stops so that, in the situation in which one stringer is borne by two supports, only the cradle of one of the two supports is in engagement with the two stops to provide longitudinal locking of the stringer.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 23 and 24, each lateral wall 35 b comprises at least one through-opening 44 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L and capable of receiving means 45 for disengaging the wedge 36 from the trough 43. In particular, the lateral walls 35 b comprise an opening 44 arranged opposite a wedge 36. In this example, two through-openings 44 each pass through the lateral wall 35 b on either side and each lead into a trough 43. The disengagement means 45 comprise an actuator of which the rod 46 is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In FIG. 22, the rod 46 is inserted into a through-opening 44 and its end is in abutment against a lateral edge 54 of the wedge 36. The wedge 36 is always accommodated in the trough 43 because of the planes inclined towards the lower end of the lateral wall 35 b. The rod 46 exerts a force on the wedge 36 accommodated in the trough so as to remove it from the trough as shown in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are views according to two embodiments of a metal block 50 allowing the stud 35 to be fixed in the track formation 15. In both embodiments, the metal block 50 comprises a metal plate 51 intended to come into contact with the base 35 a of the support 35. The plate has a rectangular shape. However, it could have another shape that is fitted to the track formation and/or to the support 34, 34′. The metal block 50 also comprises a plurality of placement elements 52 extending from the plate 51 in a direction perpendicular to said plate 51. The placement elements 52 extend along the vertical axis V. Advantageously, but not restrictively, the placement elements are welded to the metal plate 51. Of course, other means allowing the placement elements to be rigidly connected to the plate are conceivable. The length, the diameter and the number of placement elements 52 are determined according to the ground. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the placement elements 52 comprise H-shaped section profiles. These profiles are advantageously made from a metal material such as steel. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the placement elements 52 comprise tubes 52. These tubes are also advantageously made of a metal material such as steel. According to the example shown in FIG. 26, the metal block 50 can comprise sixteen tubes welded to the metal plate 51. The metal block 50 is intended to be fixed to a track formation 15 by driving or sinking. The base 35 a of the support 35 can be fixed to the metal plate 51 by bonding or by nut and bolt means or by any other equivalent means allowing the base 35 a of the support 35 and the metal plate 51 of the metal block 50 to be rigidly interconnected.

The metal block 50 also comprises means for bracing the stud. These bracing means are arranged on the metal plate. The bracing means 57 have, as in the example shown in FIG. 24, pads that are arranged on an upper face of said plate 51. Each pad is placed at a corner of the plate 51. The pads are mounted by means of fixing members such as screws or other appropriate members. These pads 51 serve as a stop when the stud 35 is mounted on the metal block 50.

FIG. 27 is a view of a guided transport track section comprising a support according to the first embodiment of the invention, the track section being fixed to a track formation 15 by means of the metal blocks 50 described above. The track formation 15 typically comprises an upper portion 56 of the earthwork and a layer of fill material 55. These metal blocks 50 are preferably determined such that, once they are anchored in the track formation 15, placement elements 52 extend as far as the fill layer 55 of the track formation 15. In addition, preferably, the upper surface of the track formation 15 is slightly inclined, for example by approximately 4%, in order to facilitate its drainage. A section according to the invention allows this slight inclination of the track formation to be compensated for, if necessary, by an inverse adjustment of the supports.

The invention is not restricted only to the embodiments described. In particular, other types of architecture for the supports can be envisaged in order to perform the function of vertical movement of the cradles. According to the embodiments described, the vertical movement of each cradle results from a horizontal or almost horizontal movement of the wedge. Other kinematics can be devised to arrive at a vertical movement of the cradle relative to the stud in order to provide an adjustment of the height and/or the inclination of the track panel borne by the supports. 

1. A support for a panel of a guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, the track panel extending along a longitudinal axis, the support comprising: at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track formation; at least one cradle capable of supporting the track panel; and means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to said stud so that a height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section can be defined; wherein the cradle is mounted so as to be movable vertically in said stud along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 2. The support according to claim 1, wherein the fastening stud comprises at least one lateral wall connected to a base and extending along the vertical axis, said lateral wall being configured to guide said cradle along the vertical axis.
 3. The support according to claim 1, wherein said means for vertical movement of a cradle comprises: a wedge mounted so as to be movable substantially along a transverse axis relative to said stud and that carries said cradle; means for horizontal locking, along the transverse axis, of said cradle relative to said stud, so that a horizontal movement of said wedge causes a vertical movement of said cradle, said wedge and the cradle having complementary means configured so as to guide the movement of the wedge relative to the cradle; and, means for horizontal movement of said wedge in said stud along the transverse axis.
 4. The support according to claim 3, wherein said means for horizontal locking of said cradle relative to the stud comprises a threaded insert in engagement in said stud and extending horizontally through the stud bearing against said cradle.
 5. The support according to claim 3, wherein said means for horizontal movement of said wedge comprises an adjustment screw bearing against said wedge and in engagement in said stud while extending horizontally through said stud.
 6. The support according to claim 2, wherein the base of the stud comprises at least one first upper inclined plane on which said wedge is mounted, the first upper inclined plane being complementary to a lower inclined plane of the wedge.
 7. The support according to claim 1, wherein the cradle comprises at least two lower inclined planes that are complementary to two upper inclined planes of the wedge, the two lower inclined planes being oriented in substantially opposite directions.
 8. A guided transport track section intended to be fixed to a ballastless track formation, the track section comprising a track panel having: two stringers extending along a longitudinal axis, each stringer also comprising an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle, such as a rail; and at least one structure that is rigidly connected to said stringers and extends transversely between them; wherein the track section comprises a plurality of supports for the panel comprising at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track formation, at least one cradle capable of supporting the track panel, and means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to said stud so that a height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section can be defined, wherein the cradle is mounted so as to be movable vertically in said stud along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and, suitable for being fixed to said track formation and configured to be capable of supporting said panel above said track formation so that the height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section thus formed can be defined by means of coordinated adjustment of the various cradles.
 9. The guided transport track section according to claim 8, wherein the structure comprises at least two sleepers or a slab rigidly connected to the stringers.
 10. The guided transport track section according to claim 9, wherein the slab comprises a central rib arranged between the two stringers.
 11. The guided transport track section according to claim 8, wherein each stringer has a rounded lower face of a the same shape as the upper faces of said cradles of said supports.
 12. The guided transport track section according to claim 8, wherein the section comprises at least two supports per panel.
 13. The guided transport track section according to claim 8, wherein said stringers and said supports are made of concrete.
 14. The guided transport track section according to claim 8, wherein said fastening stud is mounted on a metal block comprising a metal plate and a plurality of placement elements welded beneath the metal plate and extending along an axis perpendicular to the plate, said metal block being intended to be inserted in said track formation by driving or sinking in order to fix a corresponding one of the supports.
 15. A ballastless track for a guided transport vehicle comprising a track formation and a plurality of track sections fixed successively to said track formation each of the track sections comprising a track panel having: two stringers extending along a longitudinal axis, each stringer also comprising an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a rolling and/or guiding element for a guided transport vehicle, such as a rail; and at least one structure that is rigidly connected to said stringers and extends transversely between them; wherein the track section comprises a plurality of supports for the panel comprising at least one fastening stud capable of being fixed to the track formation, at least one cradle capable of supporting the track panel, and means for vertical movement of said cradle relative to said stud so that a height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section can be defined, wherein the cradle is mounted so as to be movable vertically in said stud along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and, suitable for being fixed to said track formation and configured to be capable of supporting said panel above said track formation so that the height of the panel relative to said track formation can be adjusted and the superelevation of the track section thus formed can be defined by means of coordinated adjustment of the various cradles. 